The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners took decisive action to strengthen the response to homelessness by moving forward with two critical service partnerships. The decisions expand emergency shelter capacity and advance development of the County’s future Unhoused Support Center. These actions reflect the Board’s commitment to providing immediate, life-saving support while building a coordinated, long-term system focused on stability and self-sufficiency.

The Board authorized the County Manager to negotiate an emergency sheltering contract with The Salvation Army, renewing and expanding a long-standing partnership focused on protecting vulnerable residents during dangerous weather conditions.

Under the proposed agreement, The Salvation Army will provide:

• 67 year-round emergency shelter beds
• 50 additional White Flag emergency shelter beds, activated during periods of extreme cold or hazardous conditions

This partnership brings together temporary emergency and winter sheltering services and White Flag capacity into a single, coordinated cold weather response.

Earlier this year, the County increased funding for cold weather protection services. 

“Ensuring people have a safe, warm place to go during extreme weather is a matter of public safety and human dignity,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere in a press release. “Increasing capacity and renewing our partnership with The Salvation Army allows us to respond quickly when conditions become dangerous and to maintain reliable shelter capacity year-round.”

The renewed partnership follows constructive dialogue between the County and The Salvation Army, with both parties working collaboratively to address earlier concerns and establish a clear path forward.

In a separate action, the Board awarded the bid and authorized contract negotiations with Manna Dream Center to serve as the future operator of Cumberland County’s planned Unhoused Support Center. Securing an operator during the planning and development phase allows operational expertise to inform final design and service planning, positioning the facility to open efficiently once construction is complete. Manna Dream Center was selected as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder through a competitive procurement process.

The Unhoused Support Center is designed to provide varied accommodations and comprehensive wraparound support services focused on helping individuals move toward stable housing and long-term self-sufficiency.

“Selecting an operator at this stage ensures that the center is designed with real-world service delivery in mind,” deViere said in a press release. “This step helps us create a facility that is effective, coordinated and prepared to serve those in need with dignity and purpose from day one.”

Vice Chairwoman Veronica Jones added in a press release, “By partnering with an experienced provider now, we are ensuring that the vision for the Unhoused Support Center is focused on helping neighbors find stability and build a better future. This next step brings us closer to a community where support is aligned and sustainable.”